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America to Cyprus move

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Nej0928
  10/14/2017 08:46 EST

Hi all, hoping I could get a little advice ??
I’m 26, from the states and my boyfriend lives (and is from Cyprus, I met him in the US). We have been together for almost two years and have been doing the long distance thing for a year now. I just got back from the third trip to Cyprus this year, and trust me, coming back by choice is not easy!
Anyway, we can only take so much of this long distance and he started up his own company in Cyprus a few months ago (marine engineering) and is building up experience and capital before he can move to the states because there’s a lot of competition. I’m considering making the big move first but I have a few concerns:

1,. Are expats/Americans given a fair chance at employment? Or is that going to be a very difficult thing to come by? I currently work for the government in my home state and graduated with a degree in sociology and psychology.

2. Can anyone help clarify on visas? Say if I went over without a job first (not the smartest idea, I know) what are the rules/guildlines for a long-stay visa? If I show I have enough money to live comfortably in Cyprus for two years could that work? And apply for a work visa once I find work? I know Americans don’t need a visa for a stay up to 90 days but if I’m going to quit my job and move my life over I want to stay for at least two years.

3. Contraception - not the most important concern but are birth control pills more expensive over there? Readily available?

If you have any answers to these concerns, or other insight or advice about my situation please don’t hesitate and let me know ?? thanks in advance!

MissDaisy
  10/14/2017 18:05 EST

1. Getting a job in Cyprus as an American - not so easy. Preference is given to Eu citizens just because getting a work permit is more complicated for third country nationals. Pay is low in general in Cyprus, so be forewarned.

2. Y0u can get a residency permit for one year quite easily as long as you prove you have enough money to support yourself. I have a type F long-term residency permit,which does not allow me to work here in Cyprus. I had a one-year permit that I renewed twice before I was able to get the long-term permit. If you are going to stay for only 2 years, it will be easier just to get the one-year permit and renew it. It takes a year to get the long-term permit.

To get a residency permit here in Cyprus you prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself, provide copies of bank statements, passport birth certificate, house/apartment purchase/rental contract, have health insurance valid in Cyprus. Plus you will have to put 855 euros in a bank account, which is held in case you are a bad person and they have to deport you. You get this back if you get a long term residency permit. The bank charge about 35 euros to prepare a letter saying that they are holding this money in escrow for you. The permit costs about 40 euros, IIRC. The long-term residency permit application is a little more complicated an requires a criminal record check from the FBI. You have to plan ahead to do this as you have to be fingerprinted to request the check. Also, bank statements are not sufficient - you have to get account valuation letters signed by your bank official stating you account value(s).

Can't tell you what the cost of contraception here is but I would say it is reasonable as all medication that I have ever needed (antibiotics, allergy medicine, etc.) is way cheaper than in the US and that is without insurance applied to the purchase.

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Nej0928
  10/14/2017 18:51 EST

Thank you so much!! I was unaware you could get a one year residency permit and renew it...

How many times are you allowed to renew it? And if/while you have the residency permit can you apply for a work visa seperately?

MissDaisy
  10/15/2017 10:36 EST

I suppose you can renew it indefinitely, but after 3 years, you'd probably want to get a long-term permit.

I am not sure, but you probably could apply for a work permit after you get the residency permit. I don't work (I am retired). I think the key for the work permit is whether your future employer is willing to go through the hoops to make the application with you. Certainly your boyfriend can go to the immigration office and ask them these questions on your behalf.

One of the things I found with the immigration authorities is that they don't offer suggestions - you have to know what questions to ask. They never told me I could apply for a long-term permit until I asked them if there was another option besides renewing the one-year permit every year.

Nej0928
  10/15/2017 12:30 EST

You have been very helpful, thank you :)

I’m assuming I would have to apply for the residence permit when I’m there in Cyprus, no? During the 90 day period I’m allowed to stay without a visa or is there a website with the application?

MissDaisy
  10/15/2017 16:02 EST

Cyprus is a bit behind the times when it comes to using electronic methods for many things. You can try contacting the Cypriot embassy in DC and see if they can answer your questions.

When you get here, you should immediately start the residency permit (Pink slip - the British get yellow slips). Go to the nearest immigration office and ask them for an application and a list of documents that they need and to set up an appointment to submit your application. My permit took 1 month to get, but you should start right away because you never know how busy the office is.

This website may be useful to you. www.moi.gov.cy On the left menu, click on Departments then on Civil Registration and Migration Dept. Then click on Information/Application Forms on the menu on the left. Have a look around there.

During the 90-day period you are allowed to stay in Cyprus with no problems; no visa is required. As long as your residency permit has been submitted (and being processed you can stay beyond the 90 days - you will have a receipt of sorts saying you have applied for the residency permit.

But it is important for you to apply right away because you may be asked for the permit to register a car and some other things.

A word or two of advice. Often you will find yourself in a government office and in a "bring us another rock" scenario. Whenever I go to a government office, I bring my massive "Cyprus" folder that contains, copies of my Cyprus utility bills, health insurance documents, bank statements, previous residency permits, house contract, etc. so that whenever they ask for something, I have it in my folder and can generally produce it right away.

Also when dealing with immigration, be very patient and bend over backwards to treat the people there super nice. If they need copies of something, make them yourself and just give them to the office staff instead of expecting them to make copies.

I have had great success with immigration because I always have my ducks in a row and never show any frustration (trust me, Cypriot government workers will try the patience of the most patient of people).

Good luck.

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Nej0928
  10/15/2017 17:53 EST

Haha I seem to get the sense that all government agencies work the same, because that’s how the people I work with in the state offices are like...I’ve learned to have A LOT of patience. Maybe I’ll have my boyfriend check out the immigration office before I come to double check what I will need.

Thank you again so much for all your help, take care!

Nicole

Nej0928
  3/18/2018 19:34 EST

I posted on here a few months ago, still looking into moving. Is there a fee for a temporary residence visa? I was seeing stuff on moi.gov.cy about 850$ fees but I’m not sure if that was for a temporary residence visa. If there’s any insight on this it would be appreciated. Thank you!

Nej0928
  3/19/2018 10:09 EST

Please disregard last message. It was already answered above. Thank you!

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